100 amp plugs?

[PeteZ28]

Anybody make them for 240v single phase? If so, can they be had for less than the cost of a new Ferrari?

[enlpck]

Yes, they are available, and, though not in the new ferrari price range, they are not cheap. Several hundred dollars for a listed (UL or siimilare agency) part is typical.

Typically, they will be pin-and-tube styles at these currents, since you get lower resistance in a smaller space than with bladed types, and more reliable connections.

The NEMA specs only go up to 60A.

[PeteZ28]

Thanks for the quick reply. I kind of expected your answer, I guess I was just hoping for better news.

[Sberry]

What machine is this for?

[Broccoli1]

Yes, they are available, and, though not in the new ferrari price range, they are not cheap. Several hundred dollars for a listed (UL or siimilare agency) part is typical.

Typically, they will be pin-and-tube styles at these currents, since you get lower resistance in a smaller space than with bladed types, and more reliable connections.

The NEMA specs only go up to 60A.

these are only 44.00

http://www.filmtools.com/ba100ampcapl1.html

[PeteZ28]

What machine is this for?

Sberry, they are for:

Miller Plazcut 50 (78 amps) and my Hobart Tigwave 250 (98 amps). I also have a Lincoln SP150 MIG, but that's only 50 amps so no problem on the standard plug.

I would prefer to have them on plugs as my shop is getting crowded and the best place to store these welders is under the workbench, where they can be pulled out as required and plugged in. I would rather not have them tethered to the wall on a disconnect as they would interfere with my lathe, mill, and surface grinder. It would also be nice to have them movable from different outlets in the rear and the front of the shop; so I can use them inside or outside if need be. With the cost of SOOW cord and #4 wire, it might actually be cheaper to make short runs of wire to a plug than to get long lengths of SOOW cord and tie them to the wall. Even at that; being able to use one extension cord for all my welders might also be cheaper and easier than putting 25ft cords on everything. 6-3 SOOW cord is NOT cheap!

[PeteZ28]

these are only 44.00

http://www.filmtools.com/ba100ampcapl1.html

Yes, I had seen the Bates plugs, seem to be unique to the film industry. That's by far the best price I've seen, thank you for the link! The Hubble watertight/overhead connectors are the only others I've found, and the cost of a few of those could be a nice down payment on a house

[calweld]

If you don't care about easy interchanging with other outlets, check military surplus stores. I've seen high amp receptacles and plugs very reasonable, they may be unique, but as long as you get enough the first time you see them you could set yourself up for life.

[Broccoli1]

the Ends are cheap(er) but the cable still $$$

http://extranet.mole.com/public/inde...-1961&id=10540



Also this company but you have to call for a quote.

Dadco

http://www.dadco-llc.com/basebates.htm

[Broccoli1]

http://cgi.ebay.com/M-R-25Ft-60A-M-F...QQcmdZViewItem

Couple on E-bay- although they are 120v ends- but the cable could be had at a good price.

I'll check around town here for ya. My business partner's FIL is a gaffer so I'll ask him if he knows of anyone unloading any Electric.

[Sberry]

If you are using 6 wire you could probably use 60A plugs just fine.

[PeteZ28]

If you are using 6 wire you could probably use 60A plugs just fine.

But can they safely handle 100 amps? I wouldn't be to worried about it on the Plasma, but the TIG machine, if being used in stick mode on high settings, would really be drawing some power.

Another idea I had considered, although a little hokey, is to use two 50 amp plugs together. I would attach both of them to some type of bar so they can only be connected and disconnected as a solid unit; no risk of the loose plug being hot and killing me.

Hokey, probably nowhere's near code, but effective and, my favorite.... cheap!

[MAC702]

But can they safely handle 100 amps? ...

They get to use the same derating rules that conductors do when you factor in the duty cycle of the machine. That 78A from your plasma cutter is no where near 100% duty. You should be fine with a standard welder receptacle, a NEMA 6-50. What input conductors come with the machine?

[PeteZ28]

The TIG is 6 AWG SOOW, the plasma I believe is also, but it could be 8 AWG, I forget exactly.

Duty cycle on the TIG machine is 60% at full load, I believe the plasma is 70%.

[MAC702]

Put NEMA 6-50P plugs on them both and forget it.